Health Information from Mediclinic Morningside - Diabetes and Coronavirus infection – Your questions answered
22 September 2020

1. Are patients with underlying diabetes at higher risk of contracting covid-19 infection?

Population studies suggest that Covid-19 infection occurs at a similar rate in the general population and in patients known with diabetes but it is difficult to make assumptions about risk of contracting coronavirus infection from population studies. Diabetes in general causes impairment of the immune system and patients are at higher risk of infection.

2. Are patients with diabetes at higher risk of severe disease and death from Covid-19?

In people who contract Covid-19 infection, the majority (80%) will have a mild to moderate form of the disease. We have data now that confirms that people known to have diabetes are at greater risk of developing severe coronavirus infection and are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from the infection. People with diabetes have more underlying inflammation and therefore may develop more complications. It is more likely that patients with diabetes will require intensive care and a longer hospital stay than non-diabetics.

3. What are some of the complications of Covid-19 infection in patients with diabetes?

Patients with diabetes may complicate with a more severe respiratory illness. They may also have uncontrolled blood sugar levels and this may lead to diabetic coma if left untreated. Studies also show that clotting is more likely to occur during coronavirus infection, leading to heart attack, stroke or clots in the lungs.

4. Can Covid-19 infection cause diabetes?

Viral infections like coronavirus may damage the pancreas and cause diabetes. It is also possible that patients with underlying risks for diabetes (a strong family history, high body weight) who have not been previously diagnosed develop higher sugar levels as a result of coronavirus infection and the diabetes is thus ‘unmasked’.

5. What can I do to decrease my risk?

We strongly encourage general measures like social distancing, frequent hand-washing and wearing of masks in order to prevent Covid-19 infection, especially in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes should remain on their medication and eat a healthy diet to ensure that their sugar levels remain as normal as possible. It is important that they do not miss regular follow-up with their doctors to ensure that sugar control is optimal. People at higher risk of developing diabetes are encouraged to have screening tests.

By Dr Daksha Jivan, Endocrinologist at Mediclinic Morningside. Dial for more 011 529 5359.